Computer Game Applications Development

Computer game applications development is one of the most demanding and rewarding specialisations within computing, combining the rigor of software engineering with the creative and technical complexity that modern games demand. Games are among the most computationally intensive interactive systems that exist, requiring programmers who understand real-time graphics, physics simulation, audio engineering, artificial intelligence for non-player characters, networking and the software architectures needed to make all these systems work together at interactive frame rates. The discipline asks you to develop both strong programming fundamentals and the specialist knowledge that games development specifically requires.

This four-year full-time degree at Abertay University includes a year abroad, giving you the opportunity to study in a different national context and to encounter games development education and industry from a different vantage point. Abertay has a global reputation in games education, and the degree is designed to help you find your niche within games development: whether that is scripting game mechanics, working on audio systems or building the programming tools and pipelines that production teams depend on. You will develop expertise in programming, game engine use, interactive systems design and the software development practices used in professional games studios.

Graduates work in games development studios as programmers, technical designers, tools engineers and technical artists, and in the broader interactive media, simulation, visualisation and enterprise software sectors where games development skills transfer. The games industry is global and growing, with strong demand for skilled developers. Further study at postgraduate level in computer games technology, computer science or digital media is an option for those who wish to develop specialist expertise, pursue research or move into more senior technical roles.